School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Collection

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https://dissertations.mak.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12281/4196

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    Assessment of agronomic and yield-related traits of Pyt genotypes of Soybean
    (Makerere University, 2024) Nakabugo, Tendo Sidney
    Soybean (Glycine max L. merr) is an important leguminous crop for food and feed security globally and in Uganda. The Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID) develops soybean varieties with main objectives which include that the varieties developed are high-yielding with medium maturity of less than 120 days and also resistant to diseases with a focus on soybean rust. This study was conducted to assess the agronomic and yield-related traits of the sixteen genotypes at the Preliminary Yield Trial stage of the breeding programme. Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates was used as the experimental layout at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo. Analysis of variance was done to determine which traits varied significantly among the genotypes and correlation and path coefficient analysis were conducted to provide an understanding of the relationships between the traits and most specially to determine the effect of the traits on seed yield. The study found significant differences among the PYT genotypes for the trait’s days to 50% flowering, days from flowering to maturity, days to maturity, internode length, hundred-seed weight, resistance to soybean rust and seed yield. The seed yield was positively correlated to hundred-seed weight, pods per plant, seeds per pod, internode length, average plant height, and nodes per plant. Rust score was negatively correlated with seed yield. The key determinants of seed yield were number of pods per plant, hundred-seed weight, and resistance to soybean rust therefore these traits should be the focus of the breeding programme.
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    Morphological characterization of various small dessert yellow banana varieties in Uganda: exploring fruit finger diversity
    (Makerere University, 2024) Kitaka, Henry
    The objective of this study was assessing the morphological differences of 12 selected small dessert fruits in Uganda in which three of each were representing the varieties of KB, KJ, SN and F basing on the characteristics of their fruits (fingers). The varieties were evaluated regarding their fruit length, circumference, length of pedicel, width of pedicel, pH of pulp and total titratable acidity. The variety KB had the highest circumference of 11.80 cm followed by KJ, then SN and F had the smallest of 9.63 cm. The overall mean circumference was 11.05 cm. variety F had the largest length of 12.97 cm and KB the smallest of 9.03 cm. SN had the largest length of pedicel and KB the smallest of 1.87 cm and 0.90 cm respectively. F had the largest width of pedicel of 1.13 cm and KJ the smallest width of pedicel of 0.73 cm. Variety F had the largest pH value of 5.06 and variety KB had the least pH of 4.59. The titratable acidity of the varieties increased in the order F.05), no statistically significant differences in pedicel length were as well found among the varieties KJ, F and SN and all the varieties showed no differences in their total sugar content (p>.05).
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    Profitability of tobacco production among smallholder farmers in northern Uganda: a case of Terego district West Nile region
    (Makerere University, 2025-09-26) Munduru, Eunice,
    Tobacco is classified as a cash crop and is renowned for its high returns per unit area. In northern Uganda, it serves as a primary cash crop, significantly boosting household incomes and contributing revenue to the government and households. The objectives of the study are to analyze the socio-demographic characteristics of tobacco farmers, evaluate the profitability levels of tobacco farming and to investigate the challenges encountered in tobacco production and marketing in Terego district. A cross-sectional study design was used to conduct the study. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected tobacco farmers using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Findings revealed that 85% of tobacco farmers are men with mean age of 40.26 years, an average of 7.56 years of schooling, and average household size is 8.38 members. The total input cost for tobacco farming is 2,268,266.17 Ugandan shillings per acre per season, while the gross return is UGX 5,130,859.25 per acer per season. The gross margin percentage is 55.81%, and the net return is UGX 2,862,593.08 per acre per season. The benefit-cost ratio of 2.26 indicates that for every unit invested; farmers receive 2.26 units in return, confirming the profitability of tobacco farming. Challenges faced by tobacco farmers include excessive sunshine, pests and diseases, and low market prices. Additionally, farmers faced both excessive sunshine and pests, dealt with excessive sunshine and low prices, and managed pests, diseases, and low prices concurrently. A majority of the tobacco farmers reported experiencing all three challenges. Solutions employed include spraying, mulching, and a combined approach of spraying and mulching. The study recommends educational interventions tailored to the socio-demographic context of tobacco farmers in Terego District to improve their farming practices, improvement on rural infrastructure such as roads and storage facilities to reduce transport costs and minimize post-harvest losses, and promotion of sustainable land management and soil conservation practices.
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    Post-harvest handling practices and effect on market performance: A case of onion traders in Kampala.
    (Makerere University, 2026-06-06) Nyesiga, Osbert
    This study investigated post-harvest handling practices and their effect on market performance among onion traders operating in Kalerwe and Kasubi markets of Kampala, Uganda. The study addresses a critical gap in understanding how these selected practices influence market performance outcomes in the onion subsector. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to August 2025, involving 102 onion traders comprising 72 retailers and 30 wholesalers. Data were collected using structured questionnaire capturing demographic variables, adoption of recommended post-harvest practices (and market performance metrics in form of sales volume, value addition, and profit margins. The recommended post-harvest practices included: sorting and grading, packaging, transporting, and storage. Descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression were employed to analyse the data. The study findings show that storage practices among retailers were universally adopted at almost 100%. The sorting and grading are most prevalent among divorced retail traders at 87.5% and those traders aged 31–35 years at 75.9%. Packaging and transporting showed lower adoption, particularly among retailers identified as single at 44.4% and those with primary education at 40.0%. Wholesalers demonstrated near-universal adoption of packaging, transporting, and storage at 100%, while the adoption of sorting and grading is highest (100%) among younger traders aged 20–25 years. Retailers recorded an average annual sales volume of 8,342 kg and an annual profit margin of Ugx. 4.9 million, with packaging linked to the highest annual sales (8,591.9 kg). Wholesalers achieved significantly higher quantity of sales of 41,901.3 kg and corresponding gross profits of 22.5 million UGX with consistent performance across practices. Findings from Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression indicated non-significant effects of post-harvest practices on sales and profits for both groups, with sorting showing a slight positive effect (r = 0.2 for wholesalers, P = 0.317). These findings suggest that post-harvest practices are widely adopted, their impact on market performance of onion is positive but insignificant limited, a phenomenon that can be attributed to Market conduct of traders, who prefer dealing small quantities that can sell in a short period, and therefore necessitating a limited need to store. The lack of appropriate infrastructure could also be limiting quantities that wholesalers can procure and distribute in the markets. Targeted capacity building interventions are needed to enhance the adoption of these selected practices in the short run, and also to evaluate the kind of storage infrastructure that traders find appropriate for them to increase the amount of onions stored and therefore enhance market performance in the long run.
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    Analysing the effect of post harvest losses on profitability of cabbage to traders in Gulu city
    (Makerere University, 2026) Oroma, Phionah
    The study investigates the profitability of cabbage traders in Gulu City, focusing specifically on the effects of post-harvest losses (PHL) on their financial outcomes. The primary objective is to analyze the profitability margins of traders while elucidating the socio-demographic characteristics, operational variables, and economic factors that significantly influence their profitability. Employing a robust linear regression model, the research identifies a noteworthy mean profitability margin of 90%, indicative of effective cost management and revenue generation strategies among traders. However, the findings underscore critical challenges faced by these traders, particularly losses incurred during transportation and inadequacies in post-harvest management practices. These issues not only diminish potential profits but also impede the overall sustainability of trading operations. To address these challenges, the study proposes actionable recommendations, including the implementation of enhanced post-harvest management protocols, the adoption of efficient transportation methods, and the development of robust information channels to improve market intelligence. Furthermore, increasing access to financial resources is emphasized as a vital step for traders to invest in necessary infrastructure and operational improvements. Through a comprehensive analysis, this research contributes to the understanding of the intricate dynamics affecting cabbage traders in Gulu City. The insights derived from the findings provide a foundational basis for future interventions aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector's resilience and growth, ultimately fostering economic stability within the community. By addressing the factors influencing post-harvest losses, this study aims to empower traders to optimize their operations, enhance their profitability, and contribute positively to the local economy.